Ministerial Statement: Electricity upgrade in Ipswich City assists public trans

[ozbob]

Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson

Monday, April 21, 2008

Electricity upgrade in Ipswich City assists public transport expansion

A $5.7 million electricity upgrade project in Ipswich City will support the western region?s public transport expansion plans, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The Energex project, which involved the installation of a new 110,000 volt powerline between Blacksoil and the Queensland Rail substation at Wulkuraka, will enable Queensland Rail to upgrade transport services through the Ipswich/Rosewood rail corridor.

The project will also assist with Energex?s planned future works, which once completed will help reinforce the electricity network in the Ipswich CBD, western suburbs and Amberley airport region.

Mr Wilson said the project would support the area?s current and future growth.

?Ipswich City is experiencing substantial residential and commercial growth, and forecasts show the rapid growth in the area will continue for years to come,? he said.

?The electricity upgrade project will allow Queensland Rail to meet the growing demand for public transport, and will also feed into future Energex projects to ensure we meet the region?s increasing power needs.?

Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt said the upgrade would ensure the growing demands for power were met in years to come.

?The State Government and Energex are committed to providing a reliable electricity network throughout South East Queensland, in particular to the growing Ipswich region,? Mr Wendt said.

Following the project completion, Energex has engaged a local community group to plant native trees that will complement the natural revegetation process.

Energex thanked residents for their patience and understanding during this important upgrade to the local electricity network.

The project is part of a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program currently being undertaken by Energex. In the 2007-08 financial year Energex is investing around $800 million on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $300 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network ? an overall average of more than $3 million a day.

[ozbob]

Welcome news.  This may mean increased services now particularly between Ipswich and Rosewood.